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10 Questions with ... Steve Petrone
June 15, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I have spent my entire career in radio. Started at WFUV-FM, Fordham University’s 50,000 watt station while at college and went directly to WHUD, first part-time, then full-time after graduation. Was the PD at FUV my junior year and started at WHUD, overnights. Made my way to the daytime and eventually to Operations Manager/PD, then Station Manager, and finally General Manager while owned by Radio Terrace, Inc. When the station (along with sister station, WLNA-AM was purchased by Pamal Broadcasting (Albany Broadcasting) in 1997, I moved back to programming as the WHUD PD and also VP of Operations. The cluster grew over time with the purchase of WSPK-FM, WBNR-AM, WBPM-FM, WGHQ-AM and finally WXPK-FM. I continue to program WHUD and involved as the Operations Manager with other duties for the cluster.
1. You’ve been at WHUD “forever.” How exactly long is “forever” and to what do you attribute your longevity?
The “forever” which my wife doesn’t like me to admit is 45 years. My first day at WHUD-FM was February 1, 1975.
2. You folks were literally on the ground floor of the pandemic in the New York-area and one of the first places to shut down. There’s nothing in the programmer’s playbook for that scenario. Tell us how that played out for you in the beginning.
As the shutdown hit, advertising had dropped dramatically so that not only did we have to deal with changes in how we would operate, but with a reduced staff. Almost immediately, Corporate said that part-time staff could not be used. Others in promotions and other departments were furloughed and a few people terminated. Obviously the focus became providing vital information to our listeners and at the same time, companionship and a place they could turn to for comfort. We were determined to keep WHUD, “live and local.” Without part-time staff to cover some weekend shifts, the full-time staff took on 6 days of shifts. We closed the building to sales (outsiders were not allowed in very early in the process) and other non-programming personnel, but have been able to keep studio operations going. We kept the studio open to only one person at a time. For our morning, show, Mike Bennett (Mike & Kacey in the Morning) has been working from home, while Kacey is in the studio. All other elements, traffic, news, weather are done remotely.
3. You’ve been there through 9/11 and some terrible storms, etc. Did any of the experiences of those things help you to hit the ground running this time around?
I can’t really say it did, because this has been so unique. For 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy, we had our full staff and after the initial days when the thought of the country being attacked dissipated and with Sandy, the storm was over and recovery began, we were able to operate pretty much normally. For this, we had to constantly worry about exposure to the virus and how we were going to operate. With no real end in sight, it has been hard. With 9/11 and Sandy, there were venues that initially closed and we dealt with some cancellations, but with this, everything was cancelled or closed for the foreseeable future. We had one of our most active winters with concert promotions and one by one, they were cancelled. So, without a promotions staff, I have had to contact winners and update them on the status of each of the shows.
4. What was it like in regard to staffing and the number of people in the building and working remotely?
Until the re-opening of the building started this week, everyone in sales and management has worked remotely. The only staff in the building has been jocks during their shift and some have taken on voice tracking for other stations in the cluster. As I noted, Mike Bennett, co-host of our morning show, has been working remotely. I have for the most part, also worked remotely, coming on Saturday for a weekend air shift.
5. Your MD and midday host Tom Furci has been there for over 25 years as well. What’s the key to that kind of long-tenured work relationship?
Tom and I have always worked well together. We have very similar music tastes and seem to agree a lot when we consider new music. I have a long-tenured staff across most day parts. I’d like to think the way I deal with people has helped. Being one of the top suburban radio stations in the country and a market ratings leader also helps.
6. What led you to a career in radio?
From an early age, I loved listening to radio. Growing up in the New York Metropolitan area, I was able to experience the heyday of WMCA (The Good Guys), WABC (The All-Americans) and then the birth and growth of FM radio in the market, especially free form Rock that burst upon the scene when I was in high school. In high school, I began listening to WFUV and the rest is history.
7. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep the station visible and involved in the community, especially now?
Now it is all done with our programming. Mike & Kacey in the morning has presented segments with the area County Executives, health officials, and various community organizations. Throughout the day, we had coronavirus updates (we have now cut back on them), with a goal of presenting not only the facts as we know them, but especially the impact on so many local organizations. We can’t be “on the street” yet, but we have continued to be live and local for our listeners.
8. Which social media platforms do you use to engage with your listeners these days?
We have basically stuck to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We have tried throughout the crisis, to find and present uplifting stories and information whenever we can.
9. What was your favorite station when you were a kid? Jock?
Initially, WMCA-AM and all of the Good Guys. Probably from that group, Joe O’Brien who eventually I worked with at WHUD (our first morning man). Then, it was WNEW-FM and Peter Fornatale, although at the time, I liked the entire line-up.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I’d say, Joe O’Brien and Ed Baer, two legendary New York DJ’s who I worked with and Gary Pease, the owner of Radio Terrace, Inc., one of the three companies that has owned WHUD and I have worked for.
Bonus Questions
As a life-long fan of the New York Yankees, what are looking forward to most when baseball returns?
I just love the game… I enjoy walking over to a local field and watching a Little League game. So, I look forward to watching a game and taking time away from this crazy world. Baseball has always been my therapy and I miss it.
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